The 2019 Toyota Camry: a Surprisingly Sporty Sedan

Reliable, fast, and affordable. While you’d be hard-pressed to find a car that encompasses all of these characteristics, there’s one new model that has it all: the newest Toyota Camry.

One of Toyota’s best-selling models, the 2019 Camry is reliable and affordable, and this sedan swaps out “fast” for sporty to complete the trio. If you’re looking for a solid, long-lasting ride that’ll keep you safe, here’s what you need to know about the latest Camry.

Performance Specifications

Here are the color options for the 2019 Toyota Camry:

• Celestial Silver Metallic
• Predawn Gray Mica
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Galactic Aqua Mica
• Supersonic Red
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Brownstone
• Super White
• Wind Chill Pearl with Midnight Black Metallic Roof and Spoiler
• Celestial Silver Metallic with Midnight Black Metallic Roof and Spoiler
• Blue Streak Metallic with Midnight Black Metallic Roof and Spoiler

Customers can choose from 3 powertrains on the 2019 Camry. First is a 2.5-liter inline-4 with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine can also be found in the gasoline-electric hybrid, which gains 5 more horsepower. There’s also a 3.5-liter V6, capable of 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both gasoline engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid model is paired with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is the only transmission configuration available.

Entertainment and Safety Features

Per Edmunds, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2019 Toyota Camry 5 out of 5 stars in all categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the model a “Good” rating for all tests.

Toyota is known for its attention to safety, and the Camry is no exception. All Camry models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, complete with lane departure alert with steering assistance, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

There are 5 trim levels to choose from on the 2019 Toyota Camry:

• Base L models ride on 16-inch wheels and see via automatic LED headlights. Cloth seats, keyless entry, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen are just a few of the standard features on this entry-level model. Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker sound system make up the infotainment features.
• LE models add power to the driver’s seat and an inch to the wheels. All other features on the L models come on the LE as well.
• Choose the SE model if you’re looking for something a bit sportier to drive. You’ll enjoy the sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and paddle shifters. The base cloth seats are replaced by fake leather seating.
• The XSE model and XLE model are both upgraded versions of the SE and LE trims we mentioned before. Additional features include heads-up display (HUD), keyless ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and 18-inch (XLE) or 19-inch (XSE) wheels. The XSE models also sport 4 chrome exhaust tips and a two-tone roof.

Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Camry has long been known to have respectable fuel efficiency ratings, especially when it comes to the hybrid variants. This year’s model is no exception. Customers will enjoy 29 city and 41 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) in L trim models equipped with the 2.5-liter inline-4 powerplant. The same engine in LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims dips down to 28 city and 39 highway MPG.

The more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine achieves 22 city and 33 highway MPG in XLE variants, and 22 city and 32 highway MPG in XSE trim models. However, if you’re looking for impressive fuel efficiency numbers, look no further than the gas-electric hybrid motor, which boasts 51 city and 53 highway MPG in the Hybrid LE model and 44 city and 47 highway in the Hybrid SE and XLE models.

How the 2019 Toyota Camry Compares

Kelley Blue Book notes that the Camry has done well to hold its value in the past, similar to the Honda Civic and Accord. KBB experts also report that the Camry Hybrid is capable of a higher fuel efficiency than Honda’s Accord, the Kia Optima, and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Each of these models is also similarly priced, alongside the Hyundai Sonata, Chevy’s Malibu, the Mazda6, Subaru’s Legacy, and the Nissan Altima.

Called a “sexy, sporty sedan” by KBB experts, the 2019 Camry was well-received at Edmunds.com. Reviewers there recommend the SE level but note the “advanced driver aids can be overly sensitive.” That being said, Toyota boasts one of the best safety packages when it comes to standard features. While you’ll likely have to pay more to get those coveted advanced driver aids when you buy from other brands, Toyota made sure to include most of them on entry-level models.

Distinguishing between the family sedan segment, as we mentioned above, is really about your priorities and what you’re looking for in a car. Many manufacturers will focus on fuel efficiency and safety, while others turn their attention to interior quality and technology. The 2019 Camry may not necessarily be the fastest sedan out there, but it certainly does well to tick off many other boxes.

Pros

• Durable and reliable
• High resale value
• Great car for anyone of any (driving) age

Cons

• No turbo engine
• Infotainment lags behind competition
• Android Auto not available

Toyota has a lot in store for its 8th-generation flagship family sedan. From high fuel efficiency ratings to reliability and strong resale value, it’s just the right pick if you’re on a budget, looking for that first car for your son or daughter, or just need a family sedan that will keep you safe.

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